Starting a career in the UK security industry in 2025? Your first step towards a successful career is selecting the correct SIA licence course. In recent years, the training standards have been revised, new requirements have emerged, and the need for certified personnel has significantly increased. Whether you are looking to become a security guard, a door supervisor, or a CCTV operator, making the correct choice will ensure a compliant security career start without much hassle.
Follow our guide to understand the main considerations so that you can easily select the SIA course which is best for your future.
Follow our guide to understand the main considerations so that you can easily select the SIA course which is best for your future.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the SIA Badge Course
● Choose the course that fits your professional goals.
● There are different prerequisites for entering SIA badge courses.
● Check if your SIA badge course requires a valid First Aid certificate.
● Previous licence holders may need to check SIA refresher courses.
● Always select SIA-accredited trainers with excellent reviews.
● Early registration ensures that you are ready for all job opportunities and deadlines.
● There are different prerequisites for entering SIA badge courses.
● Check if your SIA badge course requires a valid First Aid certificate.
● Previous licence holders may need to check SIA refresher courses.
● Always select SIA-accredited trainers with excellent reviews.
● Early registration ensures that you are ready for all job opportunities and deadlines.
Step 1: Select the SIA Badge that Suits Your Career Path
Each security role has unique responsibilities and entry requirements, therefore, selecting the correct badge is of paramount importance for your target position. In case you are hesitating which SIA course you need to select, be sure to read the section below.
Key SIA Licence Types Explained
Here is a quick overview of the main SIA licence types:
● Door Supervisor Licence: Allows you to work in licensed venues (bars, clubs, festivals, and other events) and covers general security guarding.
● Security Guard Licence: For security positions in retail, corporate, or industrial sites (excluding pubs and clubs).
● CCTV Licence: Required for professionals managing surveillance in control rooms and observing open access locations.
● Door Supervisor Licence: Allows you to work in licensed venues (bars, clubs, festivals, and other events) and covers general security guarding.
● Security Guard Licence: For security positions in retail, corporate, or industrial sites (excluding pubs and clubs).
● CCTV Licence: Required for professionals managing surveillance in control rooms and observing open access locations.
Matching SIA Courses to Security Jobs
The SIA training program depends on the work location that you are looking for, for instance:
● Pubs, clubs, or events – Complete Door Supervisor training course.
● Stores and offices – Get Security Guard certification.
● Monitoring cameras – Take the CCTV Operator course.
● Pubs, clubs, or events – Complete Door Supervisor training course.
● Stores and offices – Get Security Guard certification.
● Monitoring cameras – Take the CCTV Operator course.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements for Admission at the SIA Licence Course
Securing your SIA licence involves more than just course selection – meeting entry requirements is equally important.
First Aid Certification Requirements
According to the most recent SIA regulations, all course applicants must have a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certification before they can start their SIA course. Make sure that:
● Your certification is issued by an approved training provider.
● The validity of your certificate must cover the training period.
● Your certification is issued by an approved training provider.
● The validity of your certificate must cover the training period.
Eligibility Criteria
All SIA licence applicants must comply with the following eligibility criteria:
● Minimum age of 18 years
● Valid ID documentation and address
● Clean criminal record
● Minimum age of 18 years
● Valid ID documentation and address
● Clean criminal record
Additionally, the SIA will also check your criminal history and your right to work verification before you can begin the training course.
Step 3: Decide Between Full Course vs. Refresher Program
Understanding the appropriate training path will impact both your time investment and budget.
SIA Full Course: Comprehensive Training for New Applicants
First-time SIA licence candidates must complete a full course, which typically includes:
● Several days of instruction with formal examinations
● Hands-on modules on physical intervention (Door Supervisor specific)
● Practical scenario evaluations testing real-world application
● Several days of instruction with formal examinations
● Hands-on modules on physical intervention (Door Supervisor specific)
● Practical scenario evaluations testing real-world application
SIA Refresher Course: Option for Licensed Professionals
Licensed personnel looking for renewal qualify for a refresher training, available for:
● Door Supervisor licence holders
● Security Guard practitioners
Modern refresher trainings involve updated courses on ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) and advanced physical intervention component.
Recommendation: Looking for SIA licence renewal? Check out our comprehensive guide on refresher training preparation for best results.
● Door Supervisor licence holders
● Security Guard practitioners
Modern refresher trainings involve updated courses on ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) and advanced physical intervention component.
Recommendation: Looking for SIA licence renewal? Check out our comprehensive guide on refresher training preparation for best results.
Step 4: Choose a Reputable SIA Course Provider
The training provider you select impacts the outcomes of your learning and the examination success. A reputable SIA licence centre provides excellent learning support, up-to-date course materials, and efficient progression towards obtaining your licence.
Key Indicators of Quality SIA Badge Provider
● Officially accredited by the Security Industry Authority
● Clear pricing structure without hidden costs
● Positive learning feedback and reviews
● Conveniently located training facilities
● Knowledgeable support staff
Warning signs to avoid include providers with no verifiable reviews, outdated websites, and vague course outlines.
● Clear pricing structure without hidden costs
● Positive learning feedback and reviews
● Conveniently located training facilities
● Knowledgeable support staff
Warning signs to avoid include providers with no verifiable reviews, outdated websites, and vague course outlines.
Step 5: Finalise Your SIA Course Enrolment
Having selected your preferred course and training centre, ensure that you are all set for the training sessions and the subsequent licence application process.
Required Documentation Checklist
● Current photo ID (valid passport or UK driver’s licence)
● Two forms of UK residency verification (utility bill and bank statement)
● Valid First Aid certification (if previously acquired)
● Two forms of UK residency verification (utility bill and bank statement)
● Valid First Aid certification (if previously acquired)
Post-Training Process
Once you have completed the course, the process involves the following steps:
- Training provider sends off your qualification results
- Official course certification is issued to you
- Licence application submitted through SIA online portal
- Following approval, you may begin looking for jobs in the UK’s security sector.
FAQs on Picking the Appropriate SIA Badge Course
What is the duration of the course?
Depending on the type of the licence, the course lasts from 4 to 6 days.
Can the course be completed online?
You can take some theoretical classes online, however, all trainings involving physical components will require your physical presence.
How much does it cost to take an SIA badge course?
The cost ranges between £180 and £300. The exact price depends on the licence type and training centre location.
Do I need security experience first?
Not at all! Provided that you meet all entry requirements, you can start the course without prior experience.
What is the validity period for SIA licences?
Generally, licences remain active for 3 years, after which refresher training will be needed.
Depending on the type of the licence, the course lasts from 4 to 6 days.
Can the course be completed online?
You can take some theoretical classes online, however, all trainings involving physical components will require your physical presence.
How much does it cost to take an SIA badge course?
The cost ranges between £180 and £300. The exact price depends on the licence type and training centre location.
Do I need security experience first?
Not at all! Provided that you meet all entry requirements, you can start the course without prior experience.
What is the validity period for SIA licences?
Generally, licences remain active for 3 years, after which refresher training will be needed.
